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by Claire Colvin adapted from Risky Sex Dr. Stephen Genuis, M.D Have Questions? Email Dr. Stephen GenuisIn the case of both AIDS and other STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases), I have heard the comment that "he's not the sort of guy" or that he is "real straight laced and clean cut" and thus could never be carrying an STD. Some people feel that you can tell if a person is infected by looking at them. This is not the case.
Many of common STDs have no symptoms in their early stages, so you cannot see them, even while being intimate with an infected person. Those infected often do not notice any changes or have any complaints until much later. They pass the STD on to their contacts without ever knowing that they have an infection themselves.
Viruses and bacteria do not discriminate based on how much money a person makes or how they dress. Many members of the public have the mistaken notion that people with STDs generally belong to an identifiable or specific group. This leads to the belief that by avoiding contact with these specific groups or types of persons, is a valid way to protect themselves from the risk of contacting STDs. This is simply not true. You have to take action to protect yourself.
Why is it so important to protect yourself from STDs?
Most patients who see a physician or visit a clinic for assessment and treatment of STDs are under the impression that these illnesses can, for the most part, be treated and cured with antibiotic therapy. While this may be case for STDs caused by bacteria, it is certainly not true for the viral infections.
With the modern day antibiotics that are available, gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydial infection can be effectively treated once they are suspected and diagnosed. Although the infecting organism may be eradicated, any damage occurring prior to treatment is not usually reversible. Serious complications, such as infertility, may require ongoing medical attention
for years to come. It is very important for individuals who suspect they may be infected to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What if you think you might be infected?
If you have had sex with a new non-virginal partner, it is a good idea to be tested for STDs. Having sexual intimacy with a new partner, involves risks from infections from their past partners, and all their partners' partners.
Anyone who is concerned about infection should get tested right away. Do not wait until you have any changes or problems. In the early stages, many people with STDs don't have any symptoms. Some STDs cause severe and chronic irreversible problems if left untreated. For example, Chlamydia will often destroy a woman's fallopian tubes and render her infertile if left untreated in the early stages.
What happens at the doctor's office?
If you go to your doctor or a clinic with concerns about a possible STD, they will do a number of tests looking for a variety of these infections. The tests include a number of blood tests as well as an examination and taking a painless wiping (called a 'culture') to look for evidence of infection. The results usually come back within a few days and treatment is started if there is a concern. Your doctor will be able to explain each test to you. Other than a small prick to take blood, these tests are painless.
What are the risks associated with STDs?
I recently had occasion to see a fourteen year old girl, just entering high school, who had met a young fellow on the school football team. She quickly became involved and then, to her disappointment, they broke up when he met another new student. She subsequently developed extensive genital warts and many attempts had been made to treat the affected areas with a topical ointment. The treatment was unsuccessful and she was referred to my care for surgical intervention.
She was shocked to realize that, despite removal of the warts themselves, the virus persists and may cause repeated recurrences of these growths. At the present time, there is no treatment to eliminate the virus and once infected, a person may continue to carry the virus indefinitely. She asked about spreading it to others, and I explained that the virus is transmitted by skin to skin contact. This bright young lady quickly concluded that she would likely pass this on to any subsequent sexual contact, "even a future husband" despite the use of condoms. I remember her asking, "can't I even have a second chance?"
She had never heard of warts, let alone imagined that she may be afflicted with them indefinitely as a result of one sexual contact. She had no way of knowing that this student would change her life forever. The only way she could have protected herself was by not having relations with him in the first place. I don't have a second chance to give her.
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